It’s graduation season, with ceremonies taking place nationwide as May comes to an end. Just last weekend, my grand-nephew celebrated his college graduation, and next week, his sister, my grand-niece, will graduate high school. Celebrations of significant milestones are happening everywhere. Among these was a particularly special ceremony at Clemson University, where the college president encountered a heartwarming surprise from his daughter who was graduating.
Milestones and miracles are the subject of this week’s Feel-Good Friday.
Jim Clements, who has served as the president of Clemson University in South Carolina since 2013, manages all aspects of campus operations, including programs like ClemsonLIFE (Learning Is For Everyone). Initiated in 2009, this program provides postsecondary opportunities for students with developmental and intellectual challenges, allowing them to engage in college life, participate in social activities, attend classes, and develop both social and work skills. By doing so, it aims to prepare them for independent living and employment. Having demonstrated impressive success over 16 years, Clements decided to enroll his youngest daughter, Grace, in the program’s two-year course.
Clements’ wife, Beth, spoke with People magazine about what a miracle it was for Grace to have this opportunity:
Grace excelled remarkably, and on May 8, she graduated alongside eight other students, akin to any college graduate. As she approached the stage in her graduation attire, Clements was filled with fatherly pride. Yet, he also stood poised as the president tasked with congratulating each graduating student. Thus, he prepared himself to honor Grace with the formality befitting his position.
That went out the window when something unexpected occurred:
For Clemson University President Jim Clements, watching his daughter sprint across the graduation stage to receive her diploma — only to accidentally topple them both as she leapt into his arms for a hug — was a “magical” moment.
“She literally just sprinted. I’ve never seen her run that fast,” Jim tells PEOPLE. “I would let her tackle me a thousand, million times over to see the joy in her face when she did it.”
On May 8, Grace Clements graduated from the ClemsonLife (Learning Is for Everyone) Program, which teaches independence and job skills to students with intellectual disabilities.
“I was in dad-mode. I just wanted to show her to everybody, and then give her the biggest hug and let her know that I love her and that I’m proud of her,” Jim recalls.
After he and Grace both toppled over, the father-daughter pair quickly recovered and helped each other up — but Grace says that after what happened, she has a new nickname for her dad: “Butterfingers.”
“He didn’t even catch me,” she jokes.
WATCH:
There’s a quote often attributed to actress Audrey Hepburn. It says, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible‘!” A whole new world of possibilities has opened up for Grace Clements, first as a college student and now as she launches fully into adult life. Grace even pledged a sorority and participated in that Greek life while she studied.
A spokesman for Clemson said this in a statement:
“For all of our Clemson students, graduation is a new beginning, and seeing Grace embrace her dad — our University President — embodied the moment of exhilaration felt by each of our 5,270 new Clemson alums as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
The joy, pride, and unbridled delight exuded from that tackle are what have captured people’s hearts and imagination, and why the video has gone viral. “Amazing Grace” Clements represents everyone who has conquered the impossible because someone believed in their ability to soar. What an awesome dad she has in Clements, and what an awesome moment.
